Your insurance rates are likely to go up after a DUI

Drunk driving charges have a host of effects on your life. We have previously discussed many of these effects, including social stigma, fines, imprisonment, loss of driving privileges and other legal consequences.

We have also discussed how a drunk driving conviction can impact your ability to find employment or a rental home. There is another consequence of a drunk driving charge for you to think about — the increase in automobile insurance when you are able to drive again.

When you are convicted of a drunk driving charge, you are considered a high-risk driver. Your automobile insurance is likely to increase. However, the amount of the increase might depend on your entire driving record. Most insurance companies don’t treat all drunk driving convictions the same. A person who has a long history of driving drunk might be subjected to a higher increase than someone who has a good driving record with one drunk driving conviction.

After a drunk driving conviction, you will have to provide proof of insurance through an SR-22 form when you go to get your drivers’ license reinstated or a vehicle tagged. Some insurance companies don’t provide coverage for people who need SR-22 forms, so you will have to find out about your insurance company’s policies.

If you’re convicted of a DUI, it’s unlikely that you will be able to get around an increase in your insurance premiums. Generally, presenting a vigorous defense against the drunk driving charges is the best chance that you have to avoid the increase in insurance premiums that might be just around the corner.